The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) has commenced free cleft lip and palate reconstructive surgeries as part of the pre-conference activities for the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Cleft Lip and Palate (NACLP).
The outreach, taking place at the hospital’s Modular Theatre, forms a key component of this year’s conference, which is themed “Strengthening Networks to Improve Cleft Awareness, Promote Early Detection, and Streamline Referral Pathways.” The event marks the first time the association is hosting its annual conference in Nigeria’s South-South region.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Chief Medical Director of RSUTH, Professor Chizindu A. Alikor, described the conference as a milestone for both the institution and Rivers State, noting that it provides an opportunity to advance cleft care while expanding access to life-changing treatment.
Professor Alikor expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for its support in facilitating the conference. He also highlighted the hospital’s partnership with Smile Train, through which free cleft reconstructive surgeries are being provided to eligible patients.
According to him, the initiative removes the financial barriers that often prevent families from accessing specialized surgical care. He encouraged parents and guardians of children born with cleft lip and palate to take advantage of the hospital’s ongoing free treatment programme.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Cleft Lip and Palate, Professor Ugochukwu Nnadozie, used the occasion to dispel misconceptions surrounding cleft conditions, emphasizing that cleft lip and palate are congenital birth defects and are not caused by witchcraft, curses, or other cultural beliefs.
He reassured members of the public that treatment is safe, effective, and available at no cost through the programme. Professor Nnadozie stressed that early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention not only restore facial appearance and essential functions such as feeding and speech but also help reduce stigma and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.
He further disclosed that the conference features specialized training sessions for healthcare professionals, aimed at strengthening multidisciplinary cleft care services and improving referral systems across the South-South region.
Also speaking at the event, the Vice President and Regional Director for Africa at Smile Train, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to expanding access to free, safe, and comprehensive cleft care throughout Nigeria.
She noted that the outreach extends beyond surgery to include healthcare worker training, nutrition education, and public awareness campaigns designed to promote early detection and improve long-term outcomes for patients living with cleft conditions.
The surgical outreach is being delivered by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, and anaesthetists. The team comprises Professor Akintubobo Olugbemi, Professor Afieharo Michael, Professor I. I. Onah, Dr. Seido Bello, Dr. Aria Nimi Oti, and Dr. Kes Yarhere. Anaesthetic services are being coordinated by the Head of the Department of Anaesthesia, Dr. Joy Dayi, alongside Dr. Busola Alagbe-Briggs, ensuring safe perioperative care for all patients.
The free surgical programme will run throughout the four-day conference at the RSUTH Modular Theatre, offering life-changing reconstructive procedures to children and adults born with cleft lip and palate.
Health experts say initiatives such as the outreach not only improve access to specialized treatment but also strengthen public awareness, encourage early intervention, and promote collaboration among healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing comprehensive cleft care across Nigeria.
